Montserrat monastery private tour

Tour snapshot:

Duration

5 hours

Pick up & drop off

At your chosen destination
A

Transportation

By private car

No hidden cost

Admission tickets included

Private guide

Professional & licensed

Lunch

Optional

Activity level

Moderate

It’s time to explore one of the most unique places in Catalonia.

Not far from Barcelona, you will find breathtaking views and sacred place, tucked behind a huge rock and almost inaccessable in the past. Unusual, semi-rounded rock formations resemble sandcastles and have fired the imaginations of visitors for millennia.

Take a short walk with our guide to a spot with a spectacular view over Monserrat. It’s a perfect moment – absolute silence, only you and this nature miracle. The wealth of natural scenery is complemented by its status as a place of spiritual significance. The spirituality of the mountain radiates from the Monastery of Our Lady of Montserrat. The Benedictine community is still active after many centuries, despite having lived through difficult times.

The main attraction at this monasterial complex is undoubtedly the Gothic and Renaissance style Basilica. This dark and solemn church, lit by splendid stained glass and candles, holds the sacred statue of the patron saint of Catalonia, Our Lady of Montserrat, La Moreneta.

Be lucky to hear the Escolania, Montserrat’s Boys’ Choir, that is one of the oldest in Europe, and performs during religious ceremonies and communal prayers in the basilica.

This trip also gives an an opportunity to see the Spanish countryside.

On the road, your guide will share fascinating stories about Catalonia’s history and culture, introducing the sites you are going to visit on this tour.

Available: daily*

Montserrat tour:

Tour Overview:

Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat
The monastery was founded in the 11th century and still functions to this day, with over 70 monks.

The main attraction at this monasterial complex is undoubtedly the Gothic and Renaissance style Basilica.

This dark and solemn church, lit by splendid stained glass and candles, holds the sacred La Moreneta statue and you’ll see a long queue of pilgrims lining up to pay homage to the Black Virgin which sits above the altar

Black Madonna shrine
The main focus is the famous statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, known as the Black Madonna, or La Moreneta in Catalan. It is a beautiful 12th-century Romanesque statue situated above the altar and in the early morning, you can access the shrine to take a closer look. Its’ color is the result of the coloring of the varnish on the face and hands due to the passage of time.
Boys' choir ("escolania")
[Not available on Weekends and school’s holidays]

The Escolania de Montserrat is one of the world’s oldest and most famous choirs. The fifty strong choral group are instructed by the resident monks and perform “Salve Regina”.

Nature walks
Magnificent surroundings is definitely the highlight of Montserrat visit. There are many walks around the area to enjoy the fabulous rock formations.
Art Museum (optional)

A big surprise to any visit to Montserrat is the fantastic Art collection that its museum holds. Among the 1,300 pieces you can find works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Monet, Dalí or Picasso. This is a must if you are an Art lover.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS
  • Memorable and breathtaking views of the natural park Montserrat
  • Perfect half-day trip from Barcelona
  • Famous statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, known as «Black Madonna»
  • Great way to explore Spanish countryside
WHAT’S INCLUDED
  • Private guide and vehicle
  • Montserrat Monastery visit
  • Short walking tour of the Natural Park of Montserrat
  • Montserrat’s Boys’ Choir (subject to season availability)
  • Unforgettable experience
WHAT’S NOT
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Food or beverages